The truth is out there. But what it looks like is up for debate.
Directed by Simon Ennis, Gimme Truth immerses the viewer deeply into the rabbit hole of conspiracy culture. From chemtrails to extraterrestrials to pandemics, Truth investigates what draw people into this world of misinformation and what happens when their claims on truth become a part of who they are.
There’s no doubt that Ennis’ latest doc is bound to get a reaction from viewers. After all, this is a film that gives voice to conspiracy theorists and ‘truthers’ who have become viewed as social pariahs by popular culture. For many, the film’s tone may cause discomfort as those who believe such wild ideas as spiritual wellness, alien invasions, anti-vaxxers and even those who believe 9-11 was an inside job are given the opportunity to share their views in an unfiltered space.
But Ennis’ film isn’t propaganda of any stretch. Instead, Truth feels more like an investigation into how people come to invest their lives into wild movements and online rumour-mongering. Rather than portray his subjects as monsters, Ennis views every person with empathy. We might not agree with their beliefs but Truth wants us to see that they’re still human beings who are searching for answers. (And, without giving spoilers, some of these people do change their vews.)
And in that spirit, Ennis uses Truth to explore the meaning of truth itself. At a time when the internet has given voice to anyone with a cell phone, the film’s central question becomes what it means to find truth at all. (“If everyone has their own truth, truth itself doesn’t exist,” we’re told.) Everyone here is searching for stability during unstable times, but who knows what to believe when everyone is standing on the podium of truth. In this way, Ennis’ film feels like a rallying cry, not for misinformation, but for truth itself. And, frankly, it’s an utterly compelling conversation to watch unfold.
Gimme Truth is playing at Hot Docs ’26. For more information, click here.
